Tag : FBT

San Diego (US): A guided self-help programme is effective in treating paediatric obesity and improving attendance rates, according to new research led by a team of scientists. The findings of the research were published in the journal 'PEDIATRICS'. Pediatric obesity remains a serious health problem in the United States, where one in five children are affected. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that paediatricians screen for obesity during primary care visits and refer families to behavioural intervention programs. While there is growing interest in providing these services, accessibility continues to challenge their success. To address this, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing the leading treatment program, Family-Based Treatment (FBT), with a new Guided Self-Help (GSH) program designed to provide similar resources in a less intensive and more accessible way. The study found that GSH and FBT were similarly effective in supporting pediatric weight loss, but families were more likely to maintain attendance in GSH. In the clinical trial, 164 children and their parents were randomly assigned to one of the two programs. Participants were recruited from two clinic sites in San Diego County, which primarily serve Latino families. The prevalence of childhood obesity in these neighbourhoods (Escondido and Chula Vista) is 38 per cent. The traditional FBT program consists of 20 one-hour group sessions over six months. FBT is held at academic research centres, which adds geographical constraints. Attrition rates in these programs are high, with many parents noting scheduling issues, transportation difficulties and competing work and fami ...